Ximen Xinyue looked at the Emperor on the high seat, his face radiant because of another woman, and a sour taste rose in her heart.
But she was waiting to see how long an emperor could favor a woman.
"Lianyan," Ximen Xinyue called to the maid behind her. Lianyan was somewhat displeased, but dared not protest in the Emperor's presence, and took it out with care.
This Nine Palace Pill was given to the young lady by her master to increase internal energy. Her master had obtained one with great difficulty, and the young lady was actually giving it to that woman.
"Miss, here."
Ximen Xinyue took it and offered it. Ah Jiu quickly came forward, took it, and walked to the high seat to hand it to the Emperor.
An exquisite box, inlaid with gems on the lid. Just looking at the box, one could tell that the Nine Palace Pill was extremely precious. Even the gems on the box were of great value, let alone the pill inside.
Moreover, the Ghost Doctor Wuqing had never been seen by anyone, let alone obtained a pill from him. He lived in Wuqing Valley his whole life. The valley was surrounded by marshes and a peach blossom formation, making it impossible for even top masters to enter.
Only those who understood the art of Xuanmen could enter, and even then, they would go in and never return.
Thinking of this, Murong Liuzun harbored some suspicion about this pill. How did Ximen Xinyue have something from the Ghost Doctor Wuqing?
"Ximen Xinyue, where did you get this Nine Palace Pill?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, it is still from my father's possessions. A long-time friend of my father once helped the Ghost Doctor Wuqing once and received a Nine Palace Pill from him. He gifted this pill to my father."
Ximen Xinyue spoke gently. The Emperor's doubt was within her expectations. When her father first gave her the Nine Palace Pill, she had also suspected it was fake. But later, after asking her father's friend, she learned that this pill was indeed personally bestowed by Wuqing.
It was of great help in enhancing a person's internal energy, so her father gave it to her.
As a martial artist, she naturally treasured this pill.
However, this time, when the Empress fell gravely ill, she offered this pill to attract the Emperor's attention.
She understood the saying, "You can't catch a wolf without sacrificing your child." Although she was heartbroken, she took it out without hesitation.
"Good," Murong Liuzun descended from the high seat, the ice on his brow melting considerably. His narrow eyes flickered, and his beautiful phoenix eyes leaped with two small sparks of fire. He spoke with unrestrained arrogance, "Prepare the carriage to Fengluan Palace."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Ah Jiu took the order. Seeing that the Emperor's mood had improved, his own mood inexplicably improved.
He looked at Ximen Xinyue, who was still kneeling in the hall, his gaze growing softer. This Ximen Xinyue was not simple. She knew the idiom of "reciprocating with kindness," truly a not-so-simple character.
"Get up," Murong Liuzun said slowly as he passed by Ximen Xinyue.
His words, which had been as cold and ruthless as ice mountains before, now flowed like a melting river. Ximen Xinyue's dark eyes flickered, and she became even more graceful, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Xinyue has a request."
Murong Liuzun's gaze flickered, somewhat cold, but he did not react.
Women were truly pragmatic. As soon as she presented something, she wanted a reward? Or was it Yao'er's elegance, who never asked him for anything?
"Speak."
"Xinyue is willing to accompany Your Majesty to Fengluan Palace to test the pill for the Empress."
Upon hearing this, Murong Liuzun had to look at Ximen Xinyue again. This woman was not only not unattractive, but her mind was also astute. Knowing that he suspected the pill was fake, she voluntarily offered to test it. He nodded, "Granted."
Murong Liuzun walked out first, followed by Ah Jiu. Ximen Xinyue stood up unhurriedly and followed behind them.
Outside the Liuli Palace gate, a soft sedan chair was parked. The Emperor got into the soft sedan chair and, uncharacteristically, ordered Ah Jiu, "Prepare a soft sedan chair for Ximen Xinyue."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ah Jiu took the order and immediately signaled the young eunuchs to quickly prepare a soft sedan chair for Miss Xinyue. After Ximen Xinyue got into the soft sedan chair, the entourage majestically headed for Fengluan Palace.
In Fengluan Palace, the Empress was talking with Princess Murong Xingzhu in the main hall. There were also maids Mochou and Meixin, and the princess's personal maid Lanyi. They were all gathered in a circle, playing with a small fox named Mao Xueqiu, and laughter occasionally flew out, filling the hall with warmth.
In the distance, several eunuchs and palace maids were all looking at the space above the main hall with smiles on their faces.
Just then, a eunuch's sharp voice rang out, "Your Majesty has arrived."
The palace maids on the high seats scrambled down. Except for the Empress and Princess Xingzhu, who remained still, everyone else knelt on the ground with care, speaking in unison, "We greet Your Majesty."
The tall, imperial yellow figure had already flashed in, followed closely by Ah Jiu and Ximen Xinyue. The Emperor seemed to be in a very good mood, his voice deep and mellow like wine.
"Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," everyone in the hall stood up. Mochou and Meixin immediately saw a woman in the center of the hall, Ximen Xinyue, bowing and speaking with a gentle, watery voice, "Xinyue greets the Empress."
Mu Qingyao's expression darkened. The corners of her lips pulled into a smile. Had Ximen Xinyue finally made her move? This woman seemed determined to achieve her goals.
"You may rise."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Ximen Xinyue led her maid to get up and stood to the side.
In the hall, several pairs of angry eyes stared at her. How could Ximen Xinyue not know that this was the Empress's territory? Her abrupt intrusion naturally drew animosity.
However, this time, it was with the Emperor's consent. Ximen Xinyue had behaved with gentleness and grace throughout, her smile like blooming spring flowers.
Mu Qingyao did not understand why the Emperor had come with Ximen Xinyue and brought her to Fengluan Palace. However, judging by the Emperor's expression, he seemed very happy. He held a luxurious brocade box and strode to the high platform.
"Yao'er, look, this is the Nine Palace Pill, presented by Ximen Xinyue. I heard this pill is very effective. If you take it, it might help."
Mu Qingyao frowned. She hadn't expected Ximen Xinyue to resort to such a move. Very well, it seemed she was getting smarter, unlike before when she was so foolish, playing the zither in the imperial garden or something.
"Your Majesty, is this Nine Palace Pill really effective?"
Mu Qingyao was skeptical. She wasn't sick; she had been poisoned. Could this Nine Palace Pill restore her internal energy? If it couldn't restore her internal energy, why should she take it and gratuitously owe this woman a favor? Even if this woman didn't say it, it was still a fact.
Murong Liuzun did not speak, but Ximen Xinyue spoke:
"Reporting to Her Majesty, this pill is from the Ghost Doctor Wuqing. It cures illness, and for those without illness, it can strengthen the body. Most importantly, for those who practice martial arts, it greatly enhances internal energy."
As soon as Ximen Xinyue finished speaking, Mu Qingyao on the high seat was somewhat displeased. Her piercing gaze shot towards Ximen Xinyue. She had not asked her when speaking to the Emperor. Just as she was about to retort, Princess Murong Xingzhu beside her spoke first.